Though I am not in the area there I get put on these different networking accounts regarding stream restoration/training opportunities. This came accross today and thought some of you may know of some opportunities, or if there is a TU chapter nearby that may be able to take advantage of this, someone here could get it to the right people. I suspect the local chapters already know, but just in case:

"Greetings! The Duke Energy Riparian Enhancement Fund Advisory Board requests proposals that enhance or protect riparian habitat and/or educate citizens about the importance of riparian habitat. The geographic scope of this proposal includes portions of the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee watersheds. Proposals may be submitted by universities, non-profit organizations, state, federal or Tribal agencies, individuals, or corporations. Fund requests should not exceed $20,000.

Please see the attached Request for Proposals for more details. The application is also attached and is available in Word or pdf. Proposals are due May 24, 2013."

(If interested, I could frwd the forms that were attached to my email)

Some more from the attached pdf.

Duke Energy Riparian Habitat Enhancement Fund Request for ProposalsDuke Energy announces the availability of grant funds from its Riparian Enhancement Fund andrequests proposals that enhance or protect riparian habitat and/or educate citizens about theimportance of riparian habitat. The geographic scope of this proposal includes the Hiwassee,Nantahala, Oconaluftee, Tuckasegee, and Little Tennessee River valleys on lands that drain toany of the Duke Power-Nantahala Area (DPNA) hydro projects (“focal watersheds” in theattached map). In addition, it includes the mainstem riparian areas between the DPNA hydroprojects and reservoirs belonging to the Tennessee Valley Authority (“focal downstreammainstem riparian areas” in the attached map).Proposals for funding may be submitted by universities, non-profit organizations, state, federal,or Tribal agencies, or individuals or corporations. Proposals should focus on activities that (1)(1) protect or enhance fish or wildlife habitat directly, or (2) educate landowners or schoolchildren about the importance of healthy riparian areas for fish and wildlife habitat.Project duration should not exceed 3 years. Fund requests should not exceed $20,000, andprojects with a strong match are encouraged. Match for non-professional volunteer time shouldnot exceed the current national rate (www.independentsector.org). Applicants may includenecessary administrative costs.Projects will be ranked based on the criteria in the table below. Proposals should address eachranking criterion that is applicable to the project.Ranking Criteria Points1. Have a long term impact 202. Provide direct benefits to riparian resources 103. Show measurable results 104. Demonstrate co-funding (leveraging) from other funds, volunteer, or inkindresources, thus indicating broad support for the proposed project 205. Implement creative approaches 106. Have a demonstration element or adapt proven models 107. Coordinate and cooperate with existing efforts (i.e. are part of a largerscheme of riparian protection and restoration, or connect existingprotected riparian habitat)108. Increase awareness of how varied activities affect the overall river basin 10Project score will be one consideration in the final recommendation for funding. Otherconsiderations include the total amount requested and the geographic area of the project.Submit completed applications in electronic form to Andrea Leslie at andrea.leslie@ncdenr.gov